"Microsoft has laid out its roadmap for the next version of Windows Embedded, with a preview of the standard version available to download now. Windows Embedded is the specialized version of the OS that you'll often see running in devices ranging from kiosks and ATMs to car dashboards and medical equipment. It looks like the next version will be labeled with the Windows 8 branding across the board, though it's officially being called Windows Embedded v.Next in Microsoft's press release."

I really liked the few CE devices I had over the years but MS seemed to put too many road blocks to each version for both consumers and OEM's. While my good Dell axim has mobile, it was left up to the OEM's to provide updates and upgrade paths. That left a lot of people with a good device and no way to update it. No wonder MS couldn't even offer the later versions for free.

I doubt this will be different. Sure, the hope the the embedded version would work on Pi or some tablet but the truth will be it won't work on them. OEM's won't put this in cars (except one company) and no one else will be able to use the OS in automation controls.

It's the full-fledged Windows NT. If you use all components you mostly end with Windows 7/8 Professional. (+ useful stuff as the EWF) And it has a long tradition starting with Windows Embedded NT. There are a lot companies using it. For example in the defense area or in kiosk terminals.

Do you know that Embedded Windows 8 is the product that is intended to fill the CE sales band?

I doubt the real sales figures would bear out any but the most modest uses. We have maybe a few thousand of embedded xp in the US only because the thin client had it.

If you think tablet makers are going to rush out and buy it, think again. There may only be some very few instances where a ruggedized system would need this. OEM's would only consider it because the cost of Windows 7/8 full oem price. The difference between the two on less than 100K units is nothing.

Do you know that Embedded Windows 8 is the product that is intended to fill the CE sales band?

Yes, and no. Windows Embedded Compact is intended to fill that. The news item is about Windows Embedded Standard, though. It is intended to fill the Windows XP Embedded kind of brand.

I doubt the real sales figures would bear out any but the most modest uses. We have maybe a few thousand of embedded xp in the US only because the thin client had it.

My company alone sold and will sell literally thousands of computers with Windows Embedded NT, Windows Embedded XP and in the future Windows Embedded Standard 7. And it's not really a big company. I also know of many other companies using it. There is definitely a market for it.

If you think tablet makers are going to rush out and buy it, think again.

No I don't think that it's the right (Windows) OS for tablets. I at least wouldn't go for it for this use case.

Probably plenty of Windows Embedded being put on point of sale systems or ATMs, at the least (or maybe with ATMs that only was the case, I heard there's some push for standard version; anyway, lots of units with embedded should be still around)